as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
If the coach wanted this year’s QB ti be a rusher, like Leonard, (and take plays from Love and Price), why not use Minchey as the first-string QB instead?
—
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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Harry Dean Stanton is excellent.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Moisture recovery ranged from good to excellent, with morning relative humidity levels between 55% and 88%.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The film captures Gilmour and his terrific backing band in concert at Rome’s historic Circus Maximus near the start of the Luck and Strange tour.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
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But those poor souls would be missing out on a terrific whiskey that really deserves to be enjoyed.—
Tony Sachs,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Allen finished with 424 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns; Jackson had 279 and three scores of his own in another stellar effort.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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In addition to stellar dining choices, the bars in the neighborhood offer some of the most creative cocktails and mocktails in town.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ay, the superb slyness of that last response!—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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Kansas’ sixth-year man Jalon Daniels put superb touches on a pair of touchdown passes.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Yet his work does demand greater attention.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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Europe staged one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history, winning eight matches and halving another to clinch the Cup by half a point.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Explorers book it for its prime location directly on Cady Hill Forest, which has multiple trails for hiking and biking.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
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In August 2024, the club withdrew concession season tickets in bands one to four, the prime seats.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Robbie's French twist updo would be a lovely choice for a bride, while a sky-high style like Cardi B's would be fun for a holiday party.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
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Beautifully made, with lovely harmony, this is consistently one of the finest examples of Satèn; simply delicious, enjoy over the next three to seven years.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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